Wednesday walkies

Today, Sarah we were going to Murrayalta or something. I wasn't really sure why (suspect I hadn't been listening) but she did say I should wear my trainers rather than the 'super thongs' (fit flops).

We set off in the car towards the hilly bits near to Adelaide. We climbed uphill, my ears even popped! The views were amazing - out over Adelaide and to the sea. We watched a film last night, Underthe Tuscan Sun, where an American buys a house in Tuscany on a whim. I suggested that perhaps I might buy a place here if we didn't get through it soon. It turns out we'd taken the 'scenic route' aka gone the wrong way. However, we eventually found ourselves at Morialta Conservation Park, only 10km from Adelaide.

We opted for the 2.5 hour moderate hike, the Second Falls Gorge Hike. The first bit was uphill and Sarah had made the mistake of letting me go first. In my defence, I did try not to rush off and held back so she could catch her breath. The views again were amazing. We could see out to Adelaide and the sea beyond. The hills around us were lush and green. There were plenty of birds around and as usual they didn't want their pictures taken. Ones that we've identified (so you can go and look them up) include the Superb Blue Wren (striking colours on this little thing), Crimson Rosella (noisy), New Holland Honeyeater (actually did catch this one!). Yes, I know that's not very many but they keep flying about.

The climb eventually levelled out and we then decided that perhaps going downhill was tricky too as you don't want to fall over. Especially when you find out later on in the walk you were on the edge of a cliff. There view points where you could stand and stare and take in the beauty and peace of the place. We saw very few people but I imagine that it gets busy in the holidays or on the weekend. This place is so beautiful but only 10km from Adelaide. A locals' secret - you won't find any tours to here.

At the end of our hike, which we completed in 2 hours rather than the advertised two and a half, I suggested to Sarah that we could do one of the other walks. She gave me one of those looks and we drove home.

A much more cultural end to the day found us in a pub where they sell off the last bit of beer at half price after 9pm on a Wednesday before they clean the pipes. They even throw in 'entertainment' too. Last night the headline duo were called Cheese Dreams, and there were a couple more singer/guitar players following on.